Emtriva

Generic name:emtricitabine [ em-trye-SYE-ta-been ]
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2021.

What is Emtriva?

Emtriva is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Emtriva is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Emtriva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Warnings

Do not take Emtriva if you also take other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine.

Emtriva may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking Emtriva, even months after stopping.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Emtriva if you are allergic to emtricitabine.

Do not take Emtriva if you also use other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (such as Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Descovy, Dutrebis, Epivir, Epzicom, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, Triumeq, or Trizivir).

To make sure Emtriva is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease (especially hepatitis B); or

• kidney disease.

Some people taking this medicine develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. This may be more likely in women, in people who are overweight or have liver disease, and in people who have taken HIV/AIDS medication for a long time. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Emtriva on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Emtriva is not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 months old.

How should I take Emtriva?

Take Emtriva exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Emtriva can be taken with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Emtricitabine doses are based on weight in children, and any changes m...